Twelve(12) African Americans have embraced Ghanaian names in a traditional ceremony held at the Yiadom Hwedie Palace in New Juaben, Eastern Region of Ghana.
The group led by Rev. Hodari Williams of New Life Presbyterian Church, marked a great cultural reunion as the group integrated into local families and honored their ancestral roots.
The group received their new names in a ceremony presided over by the paramount chief (Omanhene )of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, flanked by Rev. Hodari Williams inducted as a Royal.
Among those named, Jean Lamarr James is now Akua Amoanimah, Desiree Edonna Saab became Adwoa Agyeiwaa, Deborah Rene took the name Adwoa Asantewaa, and Maxine Ople Cuffe became Ama Pokuaa.
Other participants include Cindy Denise China, now Yaa Afrah; Felicia Angela China-Richardson, named Abena Afrah; Michelle Elizabeth Doaman as Abena Amponsah; and Norma Maureen Bernard as Afia Nyamaa.
Additional names included Sonya Patterson as Yaa Akyaa, Beverly Eunice Douglas as Yaa Pomaa, Regina Plaza as Afia Asantewaa, and Florence Ince as Adwoa Pokuaa.
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III commended the group’s decision, describing it as a “powerful gesture that transcends generations.”
He encouraged the newly named individuals to use this connection to foster development and inspire unity between Ghana and the African American community.
“Today is a special day as we open our arms to you not just as visitors but family own ny the deep and resilient root,and shared heritage. Your decision to reconnect with your root to identify with our culture and into embrace Ghanaian Akan names is a powerful gesture one that transcend generation. A journey that celebrate the spirit of our ancestors and by embracing an Akan names and joining families in this traditional area you are not only honouring them but also adding new dimension to the cultural journey of both Ghana and American” Omanhene of New Juaben Daasebre Kwaku Boateng
Rev. Hodari Williams, Team Lead of New Life Presbyterian Church,Atlanta ,USA who was named after Daasebre Kwaku Boateng last year, said the experience was deeply moving for all involved.
He said it’s refreshing to reconnect African Americans with the land of their ancestors.
Pledging to support development initiatives in the country.
“Long term we have planned to work with the community hopefully with some building opportunities. We want to continue our support for slyhe school. We bring many professionals to also overtime begin to donate their time and resources to the community. We also can gain from the land we have come to”.
The trip was organized by Hausa Tours, recognized as the 2024 Best GTA Tour Guide Company, and underscores a growing trend of African Americans reconnecting with their African roots.
Aku Gomashie, Head of Finance and Administration at Hausa Tours said the company is on course to achieving its target of bringing 6,000 tourists particularly African Americans to Ghana to ensure that they reunite with their homeland.
She urged all diasporas abroad who wish to return to their motherland to seek services of Hausa Tours for a memorable journey back home.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
